Gemal Seede is a Canadian writer based in LaSalle, Ontario. He writes family-oriented stories. The Legend of Hal and the Seven Charms is his first middle-grade novel.
First imagined for the screen, The Legend of Hal became a story large enough to need another form.
The novel gives readers more time to enter Crawlies Forest, travel through Ferdous, and discover what the journey asks of Justin, Waleed, and Hal.
PRAISE FOR THE SCREENPLAY
ScreenCraft · 2021“Enchanting and engrossing…”
“Enchanting and engrossing …a compelling, colorful piece of work that’s as exciting as it is distinctive.”
Vancouver Horror Show · 2022“A really vibrant read…”
“The Legend of Hal is a really vibrant read… The story is strong, really fun, and the writing contains many rich, interesting and funny moments.”
Willsound · 2022“Never a dull moment…”
“Nice parallel narratives and tone… scenes feel very genuine… mystical scenes are great and immersive. The pacing… is good as well, never a dull moment with lots of twist and turns.”
AT THE HEART OF THE STORY
What makes a hero?
The story approaches that question through characters whose desires, loyalties, and responsibilities do not always lead them in the same direction.
What we want. Who depends on us. What we do when those demands pull us in different directions.
THE HISTORY BENEATH THE FANTASY
Imagined worlds. Real roots.
The novel draws on research into nineteenth-century Upper Canada, Ottoman Palestine, the Dawn Settlement, slavery and freedom-seeking in North America, and Haudenosaunee history and language.
